190th Air Refueling Wing

190th Air Refueling Wing
U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Mandy Johnson · Public domain · source
Unit name	190th Air Refueling Wing
Caption	A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker of the Nevada Air National Guard assigned to the 190th Air Refueling Wing
Dates	1962–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States Air Force
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Air Refueling
Role	Aerial tanker support
Garrison	Henderson Executive Airport
Nickname	“Buckeye”
Equipment	Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Commander	Brigadier General John Doe

190th Air Refueling Wing is an Air National Guard unit based at Henderson Executive Airport in Nevada that provides aerial refueling and air mobility support with the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. Established in 1962, the wing has supported United States Air Force operations, joint exercises such as Red Flag (military exercise), and coalition missions alongside units from the Royal Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and Royal Australian Air Force.

Overview

The wing operates as part of the Nevada Air National Guard and is aligned under the operational control of Air Mobility Command when federally mobilized. Its primary mission is air refueling for aircraft including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II, enabling sustained operations for combatant commanders in theaters such as United States Central Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command. The wing also supports aeromedical evacuation missions with coordination from Air Force Reserve Command and integrates with joint organizations like U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

History

The unit was constituted during the Cold War era, reflecting strategic priorities after the Cuban Missile Crisis and during the era of Strategic Air Command restructuring. Early assignments included air defense and aerial refueling roles, with operations supporting NATO commitments and deployments during the Vietnam War. In the post-Vietnam period the wing transitioned to tanker operations and participated in operations during the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The wing adapted through changes in Base Realignment and Closure processes and aircraft modernization initiatives, interfacing with programs from Air Training Command, Tactical Air Command, and later Air Mobility Command. Throughout its history it has worked alongside units from United States Army, United States Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners during multinational exercises like Operation Desert Shield and Operation Noble Eagle.

Mission and Aircraft

The core mission is aerial refueling, using the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker to provide boom and drogue-capable refueling to receivers such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, and strategic airlifters like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Secondary missions include airlift augmentation, aeromedical evacuation in coordination with United States Transportation Command, and contingency response for Homeland Security missions. The wing’s KC-135s have undergone re-engining and avionics upgrades through programs managed by Air Force Materiel Command and contractors including Boeing and GE Aviation.

Organizational Structure

The wing comprises operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical groups aligned with Air National Guard organizational models used by units such as the 101st Air Refueling Wing and 452d Air Mobility Wing. The Operations Group controls refueling squadrons, training sections, and flight crews certified under Federal Aviation Administration-equivalent standards and Air Force Instruction guidance. The Maintenance Group performs depot-level coordination with Ogden Air Logistics Complex and Tinker Air Force Base through supply chains managed by Air Force Sustainment Center. Support elements liaise with state agencies including the Nevada National Guard and regional emergency management offices during domestic operations.

Deployments and Operations

The wing has deployed to support combat and contingency operations across multiple theaters, including rotations to Al Udeid Air Base, Incirlik Air Base, and Andersen Air Force Base. It participated in extensive tanker support during Operation Desert Storm and has flown missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. The wing regularly conducts joint and coalition exercises such as Red Flag (military exercise), Cope North, and Operation Pacific Eagle and supports homeland defense operations in collaboration with Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security. It has also responded to natural disasters through Federal Emergency Management Agency coordination and domestic airlift requirements for United States Northern Command.

Honors and Notable Achievements

Over its history, the wing has earned commendations and unit awards comparable to those received by units like the 1st Airlift Squadron, including campaign streamers from Southwest Asia Service Medal-era operations and meritorious unit recognitions. Personnel have been individually recognized with decorations such as the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for service during major operations. The wing’s maintenance and safety programs have been cited in Air Force Safety Center reports and have contributed to innovations adopted across the tanker community, collaborating with entities such as Air Mobility Command leadership, National Guard Bureau, and contractors in aircraft sustainment and readiness initiatives.

Category:Units and formations of the Air National Guard Category:Air refueling wings of the United States Air Force